* Rep. Ken Dunkin on last week’s Child Care Assistance Program deal he says he helped cut with Gov. Bruce Rauner…
“Child care was at the center of the table right now, close to a billion dollars in funding. To have that program up and running, up at least at 85 percent, and until we receive a budget, a full budget, it will be back to the full restoration of 185 percent above the poverty level. That’s a success.”
To explain, the governor slashed the program’s maximum eligibility from 185 percent of the federal poverty level to 50 percent. Democratic legislators negotiated a deal to raise that requirement to 162 percent of FPL, and then, according to Rep. Dunkin and others, it would return to 185 percent when a budget deal was finally completed.
* Well, JCAR met today to vote on the new rule and Democratic members attempted to get the Department of Human Services on record as saying the bar would be raised to 185 percent of FPL once a budget agreement is reached. It didn’t go as expected…
* I just talked to Sen. Toi Hutchinson, who actually did negotiate the CCAP compromise.
“That is not what I agreed to,” she said about today’s DHS claims.
It was her understanding, Hutchinson said, that the rate “would go back to 185″ once there is a budget. “It didn’t have anything to do with a bipartisan commission determining the rate,” she said.
“At this point I am waiting for the governor’s office to clarify,” she said.
Hutchinson had agreed to hold the bill to codify the 185 percent level, but that bill died in the House (when Dunkin didn’t vote either way), so she no longer has any leverage. “We don’t have anything other than the governor’s word,” she said.
*** UPDATE 1 *** After some initial confusion, Team Rauner has responded on the record…
The deal stands. 185% when there’s a budget with recommendations for further policy changes coming from the bipartisan commission.
I asked if what Bassi said was in error…
I think the statement I just sent speaks for itself
*** UPDATE 2 *** Sen. Hutchinson called the Rauner folks just before they issued the statement to me. She said it was important that the administration went on the record today with the clarification, adding “This is an exercise in trust, and that’s the only thing that’s going to get us out of this.”
Yep.
*** UPDATE 3 *** A text from Rep. André Thapedi, a member of JCAR who pressed DHS about the 185 percent issue…
Rich, I saw the statement on the blog. I have taken enough depositions and tried enough cases to know that proffered statement is not an unequivocal answer to my straightforward question. There is no unequivocal commitment to 185% of the FLP when the budget is done. That leads me to believe we won’t be seeing the 185% anytime soon, if ever. I hope the governor’s people will clarify this as I have people in my district scared to death and looking for answers and certainty.
André
*** UPDATE 4 *** Emily Miller at Voices for Illinois Children…
After initial confusion, Voices for Illinois Children was relieved to read the governor’s office clarification that the agreement made to fully restore child care stands. Upon passage of an FY16 budget, child care assistance will be fully restored to all families up to 185% of the federal poverty level.
While it was unfortunate that the Department of Human Services’ representative wasn’t clear on the Governor’s position at the JCAR hearing on child care today, it’s fair to say that everyone involved is very busy and invested in this process, and in this instance, perhaps lines of communication got crossed.
The next step is to work together, try to trust one another, and hold each other accountable so that lawmakers and the governor can pass a fully funded, year-long budget invests in children, families and communities. At that point, child care eligibility will be restored to 185% of the federal poverty level, which is a good thing for working families.
*** UPDATE 5 *** Press release…
Following is the statement of SEIU Healthcare Illinois Child Care Vice President Brynn Seibert regarding confusing testimony today by Bruce Rauner administration officials that appeared to renege on a deal to restore the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) eligibility requirements.
“Today’s JCAR hearing confirmed our worst fears about the hastily-conjured “deal” Bruce Rauner hatched last week—that his face-saving political gesture provides no ironclad assurances that child care in Illinois will be restored to full health when a budget deal is struck and after suffering needless and devastating cuts.
“Today, not only was the Rauner administration unable to identify supposed savings, or quantify the very real human costs of his cruel actions, or even answer a simple “yes-or-no” question about repairing CCAP, but there remains no way whatsoever to ensure the central part of the Rauner “deal,” announced by his close friend and key ally Ken Dunkin, that the program will return to an eligibility threshold of 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
“Nobody should be prepared to take Rauner at his word, given that he’s left child care in Illinois in tatters. Administratively, in the courtroom and at the bargaining table, Rauner has brought ruin and instability to the Child Care Assistance Program. Today’s administrative hearing provided another shameful heaping of the same.”
*** UPDATE 6 *** Rep. Ken Dunkin via text message…
However folks are trying to twist some statements from a DHS lawyer at JCAR is not my concern. The Governor just reassured me, again his commitment stands on child care. We go back to 185 at budget and take recommendations for policy changes from commission.
…Adding… Another text from Rep. Dunkin…
162 is what Toi & Jehan agreed on. I will make sure we are at 185 when we get a Budget.
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:08 pm:
It’s only the next week and already Rauner is turning around!
- AC - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:09 pm:
I’m not sure that’s the best way to earn trust and ultimately end the impasse.
- Handle Bar Mustache - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:10 pm:
Now what say you, Maze?
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:10 pm:
Here we go….
Real confidence-builder for the necessary heavy-lifting compromises.
- Frenchie Mendoza - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:12 pm:
Nice one, Dunkin. Now what do you do?
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:15 pm:
This will certainly help the process of coming to a resolution on the budget. Sheesh.
Why in the world would anyone ever agree to anything with somebody who cannot keep their word? It’s impossible to negotiate in that atmosphere. With this kind of crap going on I’m starting to think it will be well past January before we have a budget, if we have one at all.
- Ahoy! - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:16 pm:
I’ve been supportive of Rauner if for nothing else we need a drastic change in Illinois and I feel bad for anybody who has to make a deal with Mike Madigan, but if the Governor made a deal he needs to stick to his word and not play games. If it’s business or politics, when you make a deal you stick with it or you lose all credibility.
- chi - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:21 pm:
“with recommendations for further policy changes coming from the bipartisan commission.”
Weasel-words.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:23 pm:
Ken Dunkin, personally, sunk this.
It’s not about trust, it is about selling out to a man who just won’t keep his word…
… for movie credits.
- Joe M - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:27 pm:
At House Speaker Michael Madigan press conference, 11-10-2015, a number of speakers from nfp agencies, seemed to realize that Rauner’s compromise fell short - and that Rauner and his administration still reserved the power to change eligibility to their liking at their discretion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuZUYPoSAx0
- Henry Francis - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:29 pm:
FWIW - The GC has practiced law for just 5 1/2 years prior to his gig at DHS (and none of it was in government).
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:31 pm:
Sounds like a GC that just wasn’t fully briefed and didn’t want to commit. That’s OK.
- Just a Girl - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:32 pm:
Any “deals” made with this governor are as solid as nailing Jell-O to a tree.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:32 pm:
Has anyone asked the Governor’s office why DHS person couldn’t go on record stating the deal? If that is the deal, just state it.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:33 pm:
===a GC that just wasn’t fully briefed===
Fully briefed? The guy doesn’t read the newspapers?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:34 pm:
===”This is an exercise in trust, and that’s the only thing that’s going to get us out of this.”===
This.
Jeez, Louise, your word as Governor has to mean… something.
Period.
Ugh.
- The Historian - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:36 pm:
Good for Senator Hutchinson! (And maybe Rich for alerting her!)
- crazybleedingheart - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:38 pm:
So what happened with Bassi?
Because it seems like he showed up to say exactly what he said. Why was that?
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:39 pm:
Why did the superstars send someone who didn’t know the subject matter?
- Get a Job!! - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:39 pm:
=Sounds like a GC that just wasn’t fully briefed and didn’t want to commit. That’s OK. =
Does Bassi lose his Superstar card for this blunder?
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:40 pm:
Rich,
Why don’t you send a complimentary subscription to CF to the GC as a Christmas present? He can stay informed that way.
- Frenchie Mendoza - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:42 pm:
This seems to be Rauner’s MO. Put folks on bad votes — or have them say what they’ve been told to say — but then Rauner backtracks when confronted.
Under the bus they go.
This is quite the superstar performance, BTW.
Not.
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:43 pm:
Afternoon Rich,
I just wanted to qualify Governor Bruce Rauners ‘Trust Me’ Policy. Any agreement made, particularly any verbal agreement is only valid at the moment the words are uttered from his mouth. Once said, they are easily changed, rescinded, modified, or otherwise forgotten. Written agreements are a bit more permanent, as like buying a vacuum cleaner in your home Bruce has up to 3 days to ‘tear up’ the agreement, regardless of the particulars.
It’s really quite an easy system to remember, we hope that Ken Dunkin remembers this before his next press release, it would really be helpful.
Best,
ck!
- ILPundit - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:44 pm:
There is a lot hanging on the “bipartisan coalition” to make future recommendations. It seems pretty clear that commission could provide the cover to backtrack on 185% while still technically holding to the “deal”
- walker - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:46 pm:
Lawyers sometimes testify only what they actually know for certain. Not for him to say what the Governor apparently committed for the future.
Lettin’ this one go. Hutchinson helped Rauner with her call.
- Willie Stark - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:47 pm:
Chi has it exactly right. “Weasel words.” Dems should parse that statement very carefully, plenty of room for the Rauner folks to skate right out of it if there are no “recommendations for further policy changes” from that bipartisan commission. Was the agreement literally written on toilet paper, or just metaphorically?
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:47 pm:
I like “How Ironic”’s logic. Perhaps the agreement simply expired.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:49 pm:
What does Ken Dunkin think about this?
Asking… you know… for a friend.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:52 pm:
===What does Ken Dunkin think about this?===
I texted him a while ago. No response yet.
- Mary Sunshine - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:52 pm:
And this is why we need the bill…
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:53 pm:
Ken Dunkin said “this is a win-win” at the time.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:53 pm:
“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.” — Mark Twain
The frequency with which the Rauner team needs to be “reminded” is indicative of… something.
- MrJM
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:56 pm:
@ Rich Miller,
Perhaps he’s in NY. You know, they don’t have cell coverage there.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 2:57 pm:
What does a Governor who doesn’t keep his word do for our business climate?
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:00 pm:
==I think the statement I just sent speaks for itself==
Considering how often the governor u-turns, we need a lot more than trust, but verify for any claim, promise, or agreement coming out of his administration. If they told me it was pouring rain, I’d still step outside to see for it myself.
- Albany Park Patriot - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:00 pm:
“Trust me,” says the guy who caused all the damage in the first place.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:00 pm:
MOU time for the Raunervich administration.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:03 pm:
Bassi should have been clear re 185%.
That was a brisk, plain answer from the Gov’s team, without throwing Mr Bassi under the bus.
Kudos to all for building trust, including the Gov, Sen Cullerton, Sen Hutchinson, moderate Repubs, he who shall not be named and others, even after Mr Madigan did his best to destroy the child care peace deal.
How that trust is reciprocated and developed by all will be interesting.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:04 pm:
Yep under the bus you go Bassi.
These folks were not chosen for their competancy. They were chosen, I believe for their inexperience, percieved loyalty, and most importantly they will do as told.
Bassi DHS No human services experience
McCreery EPA No environmental experience
Winters DCEO No business experience
We shouldn’t blame them. But we need to watch them like a hawk and look for where the strings are leading too. Who is the puppeteer?
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:06 pm:
They should do the trust fall at the leaders meeting/retreat next month. Governor goes first. The speaker, senate president, minority leaders will join hands and catch the Governor. Good team building exercise.
- Anonin' - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:06 pm:
Anyone else wonderin’ if the SuperStars are processing families at 162% of the FPL as of last week when they filed the emergency rule “modification”
We guessin’ that got bungled too. But hey Dunkin’ is takin’ care of it all
- burbanite - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:06 pm:
Good grief, get everything in writing. This is why the meeting should be public. The Gov’s changes to the mtg. make is a press conference with a meeting afterward. At least if it is in public the public will know what is actually said and what the peoples positions are. He could have had the mtg yesterday if he wanted to. I think recent history has shown that one thing is said in private and another in public.
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:10 pm:
time to bring back the MOUs when dealing with the Raunervich administration?
- Ghost - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
that will be inea heavy coat Dunkin will be wearing if it doesnt go to 185% after Madigan warned they needed the bill and Dunkin helped tank it.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:12 pm:
- Norseman - is On It.
Sadly, if this is goin’ down like it almost did, (or still may?), it may come down to MOUs.
Unless Rauner later follows his ole M.O. and throws Dunkin under the bus for “misremembering”
I mean, it’s Ken Dunkin. Century Club President, Ken Dunkin. Throwing Dunkin under the bus ain’t like throwing a trustworthy legislator under the bus, right?
Dunkin might’ve overplayed his hand, lol.
- walker - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
Uh Oh. You don’t want Thapedi after you.
Meticulous, smart, no grandstanding, and tough as nails.
- burbanite - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
What is MOU’s?
- Frenchie Mendoza - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:16 pm:
Dunkin’s a pawn — who got played.
And he has no idea.
- illini - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
I thought I saw the word “perfidious” used on this thread much earlier today - thought I understood - but had to double check - the term was definitely appropriate in my opinion.
- Dome Gnome - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
And what have we learned today, kids?
- Archiesmom - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
MOU = Memorandum of Understanding
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:20 pm:
@ Burbanite, A MOU is a Memorandum Of Understanding. Basically they were used with Blago, who was similar to Rauner.
Promise one thing, deliver another (or nothing). The MOU puts in writing the agreement so that there isn’t a ‘misunderstanding’ later.
Also known as the “Liar Liar Pants On Fire” defense note. (/s)
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:24 pm:
Rauner’s admin is reminding me more and more of the auto dealership where I hosed on my 1st car.
Rauner plays the part of the ‘Manager’ who my hapless sales rep had to report to every few minutes.
Each time we hammered out a deal, he’d have to slink back to the office where after drinking a few cups of coffee, smoking a few smokes and otherwise yucking it up, he’d come back and ‘give me the bad news’.
Everything we agreed to, meant something earlier we had agreed to was no longer ‘on the table’.
It was like working in quicksand, and after a few hours it worked.
Fortunately, it appears that others are now catching onto Manager Bruce Rauner’s shtick.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:25 pm:
Yet another rookie mistake by Rauner and his team.
It’s almost to the point where MOU’s aren’t going to be enough … it will have to be YouTube videos.
- Joe M - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:26 pm:
At least with this issue coming more into the limelight today, perhaps it will be harder for Rauner to weasel out of raising the eligibility back to 185%. Without this limelight, Rauner could have just easily blamed it on the “Commission” if they didn’t go back to 185%. Now Rauner at has some skin and responsibility in the game.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:27 pm:
Why do I keep having images of Dunkin, like “Carlo”, after the baptism, trying to call anyone to find out what happened, and then Michael comes in…
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:37 pm:
==Fully briefed? The guy doesn’t read the newspapers?==
Ha ha, maybe not!
Just saying, some of the GCs aren’t very well plugged in to the thinking of the Gov’s office. I guess I would expect DHS *to* be so plugged in, especially on this issue. But who knows?
- Buzzie - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:41 pm:
Come on now, is anyone really surprised?
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:42 pm:
Kudos to Emily Miller as well. Reasonable and balanced.
More like all of this, please.
- burbanite - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:44 pm:
Thank you Archies Mom and How Ironic. So today I learned what a MOU is and what perfidious means. Who knew Capfax could be so educational!
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:54 pm:
==We thought it also spoke for itself when Rauner said he called Madigan and Cullerton on election night? Now we know better.==
https://capitolfax.com/2014/11/07/rauner-left-voicemail-for-tim-mapes-staff-called-dave-gross/
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:54 pm:
- Emily Miller -,
I like the way you go about your business. That’s my gold standard.
Well done, as always.
OW
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:56 pm:
- FKA -,
Rauner said he spoke to them.
C’mon Bud.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:56 pm:
I’d be more confident in the statement from the governor’s office if there was a “period” after the word “budget.”
- AlabamaShake - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:56 pm:
**Ken Dunkin: However folks are trying to twist some statements from a DHS lawyer at JCAR is not my concern. **
“twist some statements” - Ken, I don’t that phrase means what you think it means.
- burbanite - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:56 pm:
“there remains no way whatsoever to ensure the central part of the Rauner “deal,” announced by his close friend and key ally Ken Dunkin,” Ouch. Goldberg ghost writing?
- DuPage Bard - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:58 pm:
The cruel part is you still leave people up in the air for no reason. Sad that a legislator has to “remind” the Governor about the deals he made. Sad that the legislator trusted him to stick solid to his word, not leave himself a fancy “out”. Very sad to see a legislator think that they can make mountains move through their own bravado only to bitten in the behind. Utterly sad that there still isn’t a real budget. It’s getting old and tiresome.
- crazybleedingheart - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:58 pm:
Thapedi for Unnamed Bipartisan Commissioner!
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:59 pm:
To Ken Dunkin Update,
If I’m choosing Emily Miller or the least trustful member of the General Assembly, I’ll take Emily’s word.
But… I’m excited to learn Mr. Dunkin can reach out. At times, even hearing back from him has been… “intermittent”
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:59 pm:
==- Formerly Known As… - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:54 pm:==
What you linked to has Bruce’s lie juxtaposed with the truth–he talked to staff and lied about talking to the principals.
- crazybleedingheart - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 3:59 pm:
How Ironic +10
- D.P.Gumby - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:00 pm:
I guess “turn around” really means “flip flop flip flop flip”…
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:03 pm:
Re: Ken Dunkin
Not a surprise that Ken can’t get detail oriented on the difference between what the governor whispers sweetly to him versus what the governor’s flaks say at JCAR
- illini - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:04 pm:
Honeybear - I think you are definitely on to something!
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:04 pm:
The question here becomes, was “take recommendations from the policy commission” part of the “deal”? Rauner is using JCAR to his advantage because it takes 8 votes to stop a rule.
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:07 pm:
@ Ken Dunkin “We go back to 185 at budget and take recommendations for policy changes from commission.”
Is it just me, or do you see “Gov Rauner has personally reassured me that we’ll start at 185, and then quickly lower it because of ‘policy changes’. In fact, 185 is simply a talking point or a placeholder”.
Hey, anyone notice that film credit I got? We’re going to be filming a new HBO special with a special walk-on part just for me! I’ll be like Priceline’s “Negotiator”.
- Former Hoosier - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:18 pm:
“The deal stands. 185% when there’s a budget with recommendations for further policy changes coming from the bipartisan commission.” Is it just me or is the real read…the number will drop from 185% , because the bipartisan commission will make recommendations that are consistent with the Govs. wishes?
- Austin Blvd - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:20 pm:
Lessons in how the trained ear, no matter how difficult it strains, only hears what is said.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:21 pm:
“Gov Rauner has personally reassured me that we’ll start at 185, and then quickly lower it because of ‘policy changes’. In fact, 185 is simply a talking point or a placeholder”.
This is only a reasonable interpretation if you believe that the person reassuring, or the person conveying that reassurance (or both) is less than completely honest.
But only then.
– MrJM
- hot chocolate - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:27 pm:
“Nobody should be prepared to take Rauner at his word, given that he’s left child care in Illinois in tatters. Administratively, in the courtroom and at the bargaining table, Rauner has brought ruin and instability to the Child Care Assistance Program. Today’s administrative hearing provided another shameful heaping of the same.”
That kind of toned down rhetoric is the type of leadership that is going to get us out of this mess!
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:29 pm:
@ MrJM….so that’s a ‘yes’?
- Austin Blvd - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:29 pm:
Still awaiting an apology (preferably heartfelt) from Rauner for the problems he has caused families affected by his political decision.
The morass continues.
- horse w/ no name - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:31 pm:
“with recommendations for further policy changes coming from the bipartisan commission.” - Translation: We will keep saying 185% until we actually have to restore it and then we will hide behind a commission.
“The Governor just reassured me, again his commitment stands on child care” -
Translation: The Governor called me again guys! Seriously, on my cell phone! He called me his friend and ally! Man, I love all this attention! Who are these kids that need help, now?
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:34 pm:
Looks like Dunkin got pranked.
- Anonin' - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:36 pm:
No word on whether the 162% FPL is in place now
And wonderin’ how we are doin’ on the DONs U turn
AND some wonderin’ why the House paused on the rest of the $3 billion SuperStar victory.
- Anon - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:42 pm:
Was the jcar ‘recommeations’ part of the announced deal? Dunkin said nothing about jcar recommendations on video when he was reassuring the protesters.
Did Dunkin even know that this was part of the deal he refused to vote for or against?
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:51 pm:
How Ironic,
Well, it sure ain’t a ‘no‘.
– MrJM
- DE - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:52 pm:
won’t this all be moot when a budget deal is announced at the meeting tomorrow?
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:54 pm:
How Ironic wins the Internet today!
Coming soon, Lie Detectors in hearing rooms.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 4:54 pm:
- DE -,
There is no meeting tomorrow.
Please, keep up
- Valerie F. Leonard - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 5:02 pm:
Too bad Representative Dunkin didn’t stick with his fellow Democrats on this issue. It’s clear that Governor Rauner does not have any intentions of following through on his “committment” to restore CCAP eligibility to 185% of FPL. The prudent thing would have been to pass legislation that would restore eligibility and keep the Governor from abusing his power and holding poor innocent children hostage in the future. The Governor has shown us who he is–long ago–and I believe him. Most of the Democrats believe him. The Governor has shown that he is willing to continue to use “the Least of These” as collateral damage to meet his larger political objectives. Only Representative Dunkin believe IN him.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 5:13 pm:
@burbanite - Rauner already showed he can be trusted to do it.
The same happened in August after the AFSCME bill failed in the House. Rauner said he would not lock out any union workers; AFSCME said they did not trust Rauner; comments here mentioned MOU’s.
Three months on there is no lockout or National Guard replacements and Rauner has made deals with five more unions iirc. +Trust
With the House repeating its failure on another bill, some are now repeating comments about ==trust== and ==MOUs== despite Rauner showing he can be trusted to keep deals even after bills fail.
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 5:15 pm:
@ FKA, there is no lockout because the courts mandated employees of the state be paid. Let’s be real here…it’s not because Rauner hasn’t locked them out, it’s that they will be paid. He doesn’t have the leverage to do it.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 5:53 pm:
@Oswego Willy - the commenter said ==called==, Rauner said ==called== and ==I said to them==, Madigan said there was ==no evidence of a call==, Mapes found a vm ==two days later== and it was all a mess lol.
The commenter made it sound like a devious lie, but the link shows that it was more an ==unforced rookie error== and miscommunication after a busy election night. Both Rauner and Madigan got over their skis when they ==lied==, but both get passes there imho.
I will probably just ignore the comment next time lol.
- Dr X - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 5:57 pm:
Well since there won’t be a budget for 3 more years, this point is moot.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 6:05 pm:
- FKA -,
I’ve just moved on from the blatent trolling. If points are to be argued, there are more than enough non-trolls willing to discuss the points.
To your otger comment on the Mushroom Post, I get what you’re trying to convey and you do a good job reconciling the movement, but respectfully, compromising his own moves away because of the necessary governing Rauner himself sees to be done, solely as the after-effect of his choice(s).
The “Hang In There” mantra dirties up your attempt to make the movement seem different that what they are; necessitated by going too far.
OW
- Lester Holt's Mustache - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 6:10 pm:
===162 is what Toi & Jehan agreed on. I will make sure we are at 185 when we get a Budget.===
Excuse me while I go grab popcorn and a lawn chair, I’m sure I don’t want to miss the next part.
- forwhatitsworth - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 6:14 pm:
A deal is a deal unless it’s not !!!
- Anonin' - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 6:44 pm:
And the SuperStars spent $3 billion to get ZERO anti union stuff…so you know he will make Dunkin’ bargain over and over
- Huh? - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 7:24 pm:
So does the Speaker still look weak from the bill failing? The bill failed, there was no leverage and BR changes the terms. MJM win in my book.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 7:34 pm:
Isn’t this the same firm superstar Jason Barclay was a partner at?
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1085548/attorney-tweeting-spoofing-trial-evidence
- Lincoln Lad - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 7:40 pm:
So is there anything more here than someone not handling a question in a hearing?
- illini - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 8:30 pm:
Willy - thank you for calling out the Trolls. Still a lot of them on this site.
- XDNR - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 8:38 pm:
Tips to Norseman’s it’s MOU time. If going forward MOU’s are required, Rauner will supplant Blago as the new “King” of mistrust.
- Just Me - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 9:22 pm:
Free advice to Voices for Illinois Children: Being snippy and/or rude to a politician, even one you don’t agree with, is never a winning strategy for a lobbying organization that will eventually need that politician’s help. Might want to check your attitude there.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 9:56 pm:
Just, it’s unconscionable to introduce anything as hostile as “snippy” into the genteel, pacific world of Illinois politics.
Demure, delicate flowers like Rauner and The Frat Boys might simply wilt away.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 10:00 pm:
- illini -
The good thing is that Rich runs a tight ship, there are few trolls, and when they appear, they just stick out more because they are so few.
I’m probably more guilty of feeding them than ignoring them, lol
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 10:28 pm:
==162 is what Toi & Jehan agreed on. I will make sure we are at 185 when we get a Budget.==
I think Hutchinson & Gordon-Booth can speak for themselves.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 10:31 pm:
=== Free advice to Voices for Illinois Children: Being snippy and/or rude to a politician … ===
In other words, don’t be like Rauner’s staff - especially Goldberg.
- Bleh - Tuesday, Nov 17, 15 @ 11:24 pm:
The only person who thinks that Dunkin saved child care is Dunkin himself. Ask any child care provider, and you will know that they are disappointed in his vote.
What happened at JCAR today is just another example of how misguided our politics have become. I’m grateful for Senator Hutchinson’s leadership — and I hope she can put enough pressure to ensure that the Gov keeps his promise.
- Dome Gnome - Wednesday, Nov 18, 15 @ 4:32 am:
In light of the way that rules are being used by this administration to implement austerity, I’m beginning to wish that JCAR meetings were all available to view on Livestream.